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Five-step guide for businesses ahead of ‘Summer Holiday’ VAT reduction

Five-step guide for businesses ahead of ‘Summer Holiday’ VAT reduction

Jane Maclachlan

A Cumbrian accountant is sharing his five-step guide for businesses which will benefit from a temporary reduction in VAT. Between June 25th to September 1st, the Government is lowering VAT on certain supplies relating to children and families from 20% to 5% to help more people enjoy the summer months. The temporary ‘Summer Holiday’ reduction…

Cumbrian advisers’ role in sale of major petrol station business

Cumbrian advisers’ role in sale of major petrol station business

Jane Maclachlan

Two Cumbrian businesses played key advisory roles in the sale of a major family-owned portfolio of petrol stations. Saint & Co Chartered Accountants and legal firm Burnetts, both headquartered in Carlisle, worked collaboratively to guide long-term clients Hills of Corby Hill Group through a deal which resulted in the multi-million-pound sale of 12 petrol filling…

Thinking of buying a company car? Electric versus hybrid

Thinking of buying a company car? Electric versus hybrid

Jane Maclachlan

‘If I’m buying a company car for the business, should I go fully electric or is a hybrid vehicle the better option?’ This is a common question we get asked at Saint & Co. Both options have their merits. Hybrid vehicles offer flexibility, familiarity and a fallback when charging isn’t convenient. Electric vehicles, meanwhile, promise…

Ben and Ross close to gaining Chartered Accountant qualification

Ben and Ross close to gaining Chartered Accountant qualification

Jane Maclachlan

Congratulations to two Saint & Co colleagues who have made great strides to becoming fully qualified accountants. Ross Huck and Ben Cakebread, both aged 24, are based in our Ambleside office and have achieved part-qualified status in recognition of their continued progress. They now have just three exams to pass as they work their way…

New partner announced at Saint & Co

New partner announced at Saint & Co

Jane Maclachlan

A Cumbrian accountant has been promoted to the position of partner after more than a decade of service. Saint & Co Chartered Accountants has appointed Tom Scott as a senior member of the firm in recognition of the high level of service he continues to provide to clients and his colleagues. Having joined the company…

New Statutory Sick Pay Rules from 6 April 2026

New Statutory Sick Pay Rules from 6 April 2026

Jackie Hemus

From 6th April 2026 there are major changes to the Statutory Sick Pay rules which will affect both employees and employers. The Key changes are: SSP is payable from the first day of sickness – the three waiting days rule is abolished. SSP will be payable from day one of sickness instead of the fourth…

CAF Charity Deposit Platform - A New Way for Charities to Save

CAF Charity Deposit Platform – A New Way for Charities to Save

February 12, 2026

Sophie Graham

For smaller charities, finding a savings platform has previously been more difficult, due to starting off with smaller funds. There is now a new investment platform designed specifically for you, helping your savings grow effectively for the charity’s needs. The CAF Charity Deposit Platform allows UK based charities with a minimum of £150,000 to invest…

UK Inheritance Tax: What's Changed and What It Means for Families?

UK Inheritance Tax: What’s Changed and What It Means for Families?

December 23, 2025

Alex Dent

The UK government has just confirmed an important update to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs for farmers and business owners — a move that eases some of the financial pressure on family farms and enterprises but still leaves broader tax reforms in place. From 6 April 2026, the threshold at which agricultural and business property relief…

Tax Benefits of Providing an Electric Vehicle Company Car for Director-Owner Companies

Tax Benefits of Providing an Electric Vehicle Company Car for Director-Owner Companies

October 28, 2025

Lindsay Farrer

Introduction This article summarises the principal tax benefits and considerations for a director-owner company providing a wholly electric vehicle (EV) as a company car in the 2025/26 tax year. The analysis covers capital allowances, benefit-in-kind (BiK) taxation, reimbursement of charging costs, VAT implications, salary sacrifice arrangements, and other relevant factors. Capital Allowances 100% First-Year Allowance…

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